Workshop Block 1: 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

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Nature Photography (Room 209)

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In this workshop we will discuss the benefits and challenges of nature photography. Participants will learn how to take engaging and memorable nature photographs. As there will be a hands-on component, participants are encouraged to bring a device for taking pictures (camera, phone, etc.).

 

Leader: Temira Bruce

Temira Bruce is a photographer and visual communicator. With a background studying the urban environment, she is particularly interested in the relationship between built human environments and nature and wildlife habitats. Her photographic work aims to document the beauty of both the natural and human-made worlds while highlighting their complex relationship.

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Pruning For Success: Shaping the Future (Room 211) 

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(dress weather appropriate)

“Training” young trees. If a tree can be “trained” at a young age to promote good structure, it will likely reduce unnecessary damage, and allow the tree to survive to its full potential. The majority of this workshop will be spent working hands-on with forestry technicians, demonstrating and participating in proper pruning practices. This workshop will focus on the benefits of pruning juvenile trees, and the proper techniques in doing so. The content will include the process of training young trees in five steps; including a brief summary of each step, along with physical demonstrations. The importance of tree biology will also be discussed, in order to better understand how important correct pruning methods are to ensure the recovery of the tree. Types of pruning cuts and different tools that are needed will be discussed, illustrating proper cuts vs. improper cuts and their effect on the tree. This workshop will also include fruit tree pruning, explaining time of year and how to prune for maximum production.

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Simple Mindfulness Integrations designed for a Modern Lifestyle (Room 285)

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In this 90 minute workshop, we will identify common stressors that are present in our daily lives and which have an effect on both our body and mind. You will be introduced to simple, time sensitive approaches which can easily be integrated into your daily routines. Be prepared to also explore a soothing and meditative yoga class designed for both the beginner and the novice looking for a calming experience. All levels are welcome. Please wear comfortable clothing, bring a reusable water bottle if you prefer as well as a blanket, mat or any props you feel you might need. Some mats and props will be available.

Biography:

Mackenzie Kirkham is a health and wellness practitioner who is certified as a 500 hr registered yoga instructor, 200 hr medical chi gong practitioner, meditation instructor, share circle facilitator and reiki practitioner. She has experience teaching many styles of yoga which have included; Hot Vinyasa, Taoist yoga, Medical Qi gong, Gentle Hatha, Laya, Yin, and Restorative. She also has experience serving speciality populations including support workers, kids and tweens, trauma sensitive individuals, and those living with chronic illness.

Mackenzie graduated from Fleming College, where she studied Ecosystem Management and Outdoor Adventure Skills and has applied these teachings to her wellness offerings. In 2015, she founded her adventure based yoga business, BarefootGypsy Yoga and Wellness where she began offering karma yoga donation classes outdoors throughout her community as well as workshops that combined yoga with cycling tours, woman’s based canoe trips, hiking excursions and kids camps.

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Workshop Block 2: 1:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

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Hike: Strengthening Your Relationship with the Natural World (Room 209)

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(dress weather appropriate)

This hike will be a combination of nature observation skills and experiential nature connection as we wander the “back forty” of the college.  Using all of our senses we will explore the world of wildlife tracking, identification of species, birding, general ecology, and tap into the language of nature.  It will be a slow hike with frequent stops to discuss, observe, and experience the natural world around us. Due to the nature of the walk we please ask for participants to come prepared for the weather and bring with them closed toe shoes or hiking boots for safer travels throughout the trails.

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Ben Teskey is the Conservation Areas Technician at Kawartha Conservation and is a proud graduate of Fleming College’s Ecosystem Management program. Ben’s career has focused on conservation, stewardship, and connecting people with nature. He believes strongly that people’s connection to the land and sense of place in it, is healing for the body, mind, soul, and for the environment. Ben’s interests in wildlife, tracking, and studying directly from nature itself has taken him on adventures in jungles, deserts, mountains, under the sea, the arctic, and deep into Ontario’s beautiful wilderness.

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Tree Surfing: Kicking it Back in the Canopy (Room 211)

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(dress weather appropriate)

The exciting world of tree climbing will bring you to new heights! In this workshop, you will get to experience a part of the arboricultural industry that grants access to the canopies that stand above us. Used for overnight accommodations in Giant Sequoia trees, you will climb your way up to a Tree-Boat (hammock) that is fixed high in a tree’s scaffolding. Experienced tree climbers will assist in your ascent to your elevated lounge where you will securely rest in the bliss of the branches. An experience like this doesn’t only give you a heightened aspect of the world, it shows how recreational tree climbing incorporates exercise and the outdoors. The endorphins felt after a physical excursion through the canopy and the involved connection to the natural world makes this activity a balanced remedy for our psychological well-being. You can appreciate the tree’s strength and beauty, while letting your mind and body unwind high above the ground, in the safety of one of our tree boats. Overall, this workshop will build your connection with the forest while having fun doing it!

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Permaculture; Gardening for Healthy Earth, Heart and Mind (Room 285)

 

Studies have shown the health benefits gardening can provide to improve health and state of mind. In this workshop we'll explore the fundamental ethics and principles of permaculture in relationship to healing our wounded Earth, hearts and minds. Learn how permaculture offers unique support to mounting anxiety in our contemporary world. 

Andrea Connell is an active Transition Town advocate and long time participating permaculture designer. Her passion is to help people restore a heart-felt relationship to their Earth, their fellowman and themselves. She believes that life is just better living in partnership with nature.

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Workshop Block 3: 3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

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Green Thoughts:  Mental Wellness and the Community Garden (Room 209)

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In this session a mental health worker and a long-time gardener will share observations on how gardening in the social setting of a community garden can assist those with mental health challenges--or anyone looking to strengthen their mental wellbeing.  Participants will have the opportunity to try a little gardening themselves: they will plant tomato seeds and take the pots home. We will also visit the community garden on campus, so please come prepared for a short outdoor walk!

 

Presenter Biographies:

Jamie Morris is a former Master Gardener and has been involved with the Lindsay Community Garden for the past decade. He is currently president of the gardeners' group.

 

Gloria Palmateer: Gloria is a Mental Health worker (SSW) at CMHAHKPR who currently manages a group home for Mental Health Recovery in the City of Kawartha Lakes.  Gloria also has a portion of her work portfolio in  Housing Retention.  Gloria has facilitated groups on the Mental Health inpatient at the Ross Memorial, facilitated “Food for Mood” groups in Peterborough and Lindsay, and taught Gardening Groups related to Mental Health in Lindsay and other areas of the City of Kawartha Lakes.

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Healthy Foods for Healthy Minds (Room 211)

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In this workshop, volunteers from the Students For Sustainability (SFS) at the Frost Campus will demonstrate inexpensive and alternate methods for growing plants indoors year-round using nothing more than common household items, including some from the recycling bin. Starting vegetables and herbs from seeds, making your own seed starting kit, and learning how to make self-watering planters will be covered in this session. The Students will also provide detailed information on how simply adding plants to your indoor living space will provide peace of mind, help benefit your health and provide a mood booster to your daily life. With your own custom made self-watering planter you will be able to leave the Food for Moods workshop ready to start your own indoor garden.

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Shinrin-yoku: The Thoughtful Woods (Room 285)

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(dress weather appropriate)

森林浴 :

The Thoughtful Woods, Shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese relaxation technique created in the 1980s. Shinrin-yoku, Japanese for “taking in the forest atmosphere”, is the practice of taking slow, meditative walks through nature. The purpose is to take advantage of the healing properties of trees and plants, by utilizing nature's sights, sounds, and smells that surround you. This is a flexible way to blend natural activities and calming of the mind to escape everyday stresses. This workshop will involve teaching techniques of relaxation and meditation in the natural environment. We will provide you with multiple ways of practicing Shinrin-yoku in your everyday lives, such as taking slow meditative walks through the forest, observing your natural surroundings, and developing breathing exercises. We will also cover techniques that can be used indoors when access to the wilderness is limited, like aromatherapy, sound therapy, and dream walking.

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